Vulnerable Populations and the Built Environment

Abstract

Vulnerability is a complex concept, potentially involving biological attributes such as age and disability; social constructs such as race, ethnicity, and poverty, and environmental exposures such as unsafe housing, incomplete transportation systems, and inaccessible buildings. A vulnerable population is one at elevated risk of suffering harm as the result of one or more of these or similar circumstances. All individuals have health vulnerabilities at some point in life—often due in part to community design decisions. Community and building design can be either a source of or a solution to these vulnerabilities. Built environment design choices that improve quality of life for one population often do so for many populations. Solutions to vulnerabilities must be identified and implemented collaboratively with the populations impacted. Universal design, a strategy that reduces or eliminates many vulnerabilities, is best implemented early in the design process, as retrofitting is usually difficult and expensive. A more complete understanding of populations and their vulnerabilities is crucial if health and design professionals are to address health threats effectively.